Member Since: 21 Oct 2009
Location: Lucerne
Posts: 73
Removing 2nd row middle seat - is it worth it?
Hi,
we usually have our Engel box on the collapsed middle seat in the back, between the kids. This is fine, but I wondered whether it would be worthwhile removing the middle seat and either use the space for more luggage or to seat the Engel box lower.
Has anyone done something like this? Maybe for other useful uses? Or are there pictures around?
Thanks and cheers,
Thorsten
22nd Feb 2013 9:15 am
grzesiul
Member Since: 11 May 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 6352
been done by a few on here before
22nd Feb 2013 9:17 am
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73045
Just don't forget to fill all the unused fixing holes with the original bolts, otherwise you'll get a very soggy carpet.
22nd Feb 2013 9:20 am
Miesmacher
Member Since: 21 Oct 2009
Location: Lucerne
Posts: 73
@grzesiul: I tried the search, of course, but never found any real reference. Can you indicate a good search term or recall the name of a member who did this?
@DSL: Don't tell me these holes link to the outside? I see an excellent opportunity to discard old chewing gums and the like...
22nd Feb 2013 9:28 am
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73045
They sure do, as some have found out due to squelching.
22nd Feb 2013 9:31 am
Miesmacher
Member Since: 21 Oct 2009
Location: Lucerne
Posts: 73
OK, so I found pictures of the fridges in place (http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic68226.html) but did anyone take pictures with the seat taken out or has other useful tips and hints?
Cheerio,
Thorsten
22nd Feb 2013 5:29 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73045
It's dead easy to take out, 4 or 6 torx 55 bolts and the whole thing lifts out. Simples!! Might be a bit awkward with the other 2 in place though. Also I copper-slip the bolts when they go back to plug the holes as I have seats in for the winter and load deck in for rest of the year. I've replaced the torx bolts with high tensile normal bolts as much easier to work with.
22nd Feb 2013 7:01 pm
Miesmacher
Member Since: 21 Oct 2009
Location: Lucerne
Posts: 73
"load deck"?
That sounds interesting any pictures?
Your point about the copper is well noted, thanks!
22nd Feb 2013 7:11 pm
DiscoStu
Member Since: 09 Apr 2006
Location: London
Posts: 11412
6 bolts. Much easier with a torx ratchet bit. Put the other two seats in the vertical position (up as though someone was getting into the boot seats) to lift the middle seat out.
You'll need a plate to mount the fridge base on as the floor isn't flat under there.
Last edited by DiscoStu on 22nd Feb 2013 7:30 pm. Edited 1 time in total
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22nd Feb 2013 7:25 pm
DiscoStu
Member Since: 09 Apr 2006
Location: London
Posts: 11412
My fridge base (in my first D3):
Click image to enlarge
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These spacers lift the base off of the uneven floor and keep it level
Click image to enlarge
Last edited by DiscoStu on 22nd Feb 2013 7:32 pm. Edited 2 times in total
22nd Feb 2013 7:30 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73045
Miesmacher wrote:
"load deck"?
Dealer fitted commercial kit (not LR) from a D3. Bolts to the floor using a few seat bolt holes. Engel and other clobber gets bolted or strapped to the deck. Simples.
Click image to enlarge
Click image to enlarge
Click image to enlarge
22nd Feb 2013 7:30 pm
Miesmacher
Member Since: 21 Oct 2009
Location: Lucerne
Posts: 73
Thanks to you both, DiscoStu and DSL. That is impressive as well as encouraging. I can't see my own fridge base plate even closely as perfect, but I'll manage.
Our plan is to go to Scotland this summer - not sure if bringing a fridge is necessary there , but now I am prepared!
Cheerio,
Thorsten
22nd Feb 2013 10:21 pm
DG Site Moderator
Member Since: 12 Dec 2005
Location: The Gaff
Posts: 50977
I have a very similar set up to Stu and it provides easy access to the fridge ...not only from either side of the vehicle externally but also from the front cabin 21 year LR veteran > D2 GS 2003 > D3 S 2006 > D3 HSE 2009 > D4 HSE 2013 > D4 HSE 2015 > D5 HSE 2018 > DS HSE R-Dynamic P300e 2021
22nd Feb 2013 10:27 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73045
beanie wrote:
Hope that's ok Del
No worries. Though that was couple of weeks ago with the middle row if seats in place. They'll get taken out on April and the wooden deck will continue through to the back of the front seats.
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, but now I am prepared!
